Undergraduate Public Administration Degree Program


Students chatting around a table

What is public administration?

Public administrators play a major role in contributing to society and the decision-making processes that occur in the public and nonprofit sectors. Public administrators put leadership, critical thinking and project management skills to work in ways that impact the communities and organizations they serve on a daily basis. With a public administration degree, you will be well on your way to a rewarding career.

A public administration professional’s duty might include:

  • Studying political systems and operations
  • Planning regional and urban community growth
  • Making policy at all levels of government
  • Analyzing or changing performance at a non-profit organization

What jobs can I get with a public administration degree? 

Public administration professionals use their skills in a variety of settings, including government, political science, non-profit leadership, medical and health services management and human resources.

Potential careers with a public administration degree - Local and State Government, Urban Planner, International Relations, Educational Institutions, Nonprofit Organizations, Federal Departments or Agencies

Is a public administration degree right for me?

KU’s undergraduate public administration degree program provides students with the knowledge and skills needed for planning, implementing and evaluating public programs. As students learn to think critically and analytically about public policy, they will better understand the dynamics in their own communities and learn how to be more effective citizens and public officials. The KU Edwards Campus is the only institution in the Kansas City area to offer this in-demand degree.

Questions?

Nigyar Alves
  • Senior Academic Advisor

How is the bachelor's in public administration program structured?

KU’s bachelor's in public administration degree program consists of 27 credit hours, including three core PUAD courses and six elective courses, all junior/senior-level courses (300-level and above). This is in addition to the university’s bachelor’s degree requirements (minimum of 120 total hours, 45 hours at the junior/senior level).

The Bachelor of Arts requires proficiency in one foreign language through the fourth level, completion of two courses of collegiate-level writing instruction, a science or field lab, and BA Quantitative Reasoning requirement. The Bachelor of General Studies requires the completion of a secondary area of study/approved minor with at least 18 credit hours, as well as completion of an approved career preparation course.

The KU Edwards Campus also offers a minor in public administration. Visit our minors page to learn more.

Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration course breakdown 27 credit hours plus KU undergraduate requirements - 18 hours of elective Public Administration Coursework, 9 hours of Core Public Administration Coursework
Why start a public administration degree program at KU?

Flexible

  • Applicable to a variety of careers
  • Evening classes to fit your busy schedule
  • MetroKC tuition rate available for Missouri students

Quality

  • Faculty include members of the National Academy of Public Administration
  • KU is ranked No. 1 in city management and in the top ten for urban policy among public universities by U.S. News and World Report
  • NASPAA accredited

Useful

  • Hands-on curriculum with real-world application, including internship and research opportunities
  • Emphasizes characteristics to help you succeed in the field
  • Training and practical experience in leadership, current issues and project management